20 questions from the Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39). Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. In a Y Intersection, what maneuver is required for the driver?
Answer: Bear either right or left ahead. The handbook defines the Y Intersection sign as indicating that the driver must bear either right or left.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 11: “Y Intersection: You must bear either right or left ahead.”
2. How should you position your front wheels when parking downhill without a curb?
Answer: Turn the front wheels right. The instructions for parking downhill without a curb specify turning the front wheels to the right.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 24: “Parking downhill — no curb Turn front wheels right”
3. What does a broken yellow line alongside a solid yellow line indicate regarding passing?
Answer: Passing is allowed from the side of the broken line, but not from the side of the solid line. The handbook specifies that drivers on the broken line side may pass, while those on the solid line side generally may not.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 13: “A broken yellow line alongside a solid yellow line means that passing is allowed from the side of the broken line, but not from the side of the solid line.”
4. At an intersection marked with an 'All Way' or '4 Way' sign beneath the stop sign, who must yield if two vehicles arrive at the same time?
Answer: The driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right. The handbook specifies the right-of-way rule for simultaneous arrivals at all-way stops, stating the left driver yields to the right driver.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 8: “If you get to the intersection at the same time as other vehicles, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right.”
5. What is the required clearance distance when passing a horse-drawn buggy according to Virginia state law?
Answer: At least three feet. The handbook specifies a minimum clearance requirement of three feet for passing buggies.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 10: “State law requires motorists to pass with at least three feet of clearance when the way is clear.”
6. If a driver is caught driving after their license has been suspended for an alcohol-related offense, how long is the vehicle immediately impounded?
Answer: 30 days. The handbook clearly indicates an immediate 30-day impoundment period for this specific violation.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 32: “Your vehicle will be impounded immediately for 30 days if you are caught driving after your license has been suspended for an alcohol-related offense.”
7. How long does a new Virginia resident have to obtain a Virginia driver’s license after moving to the state?
Answer: Within 60 days. The handbook specifies a 60-day window for new residents to obtain their license.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 35: “If you are a new Virginia resident and drive, you must obtain a Virginia driver’s license within 60 days of moving here.”
8. What is the correct procedure if you veer off the roadway?
Answer: Gradually reduce speed and slowly steer back onto the roadway. The handbook advises against panic and sharp corrections, instructing drivers to gradually reduce speed and slowly steer back onto the road.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 20: “If you veer off the road, curved or straight, do not panic. Gradually reduce your speed, look in the direction you want to go, slowly steer back onto the roadway.”
9. What is the status of an international driver's license according to the Virginia Driver Handbook?
Answer: It is only a foreign translation of your existing valid driver's license. The handbook clarifies that an international driver's license serves merely as a translation of a valid license and is not a standalone valid license for driving.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 34: “An international driver’s license is not a valid driver’s license and does not allow you to drive. It is only a foreign translation of your existing valid driver’s license to be used when you are traveling outside of the U.S.”
10. What action is required when entering a roadway from a private road or driveway?
Answer: Stop and yield to all traffic and pedestrians. The rule mandates a complete stop and yielding to both vehicular traffic and pedestrians when entering from a private access point.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 18: “When entering a roadway from a private road or driveway, you must stop and yield to all traffic and pedestrians.”
11. What is the correct procedure when entering an interstate highway from an entrance ramp?
Answer: Yield the right-of-way to traffic already on the highway. The handbook specifies that drivers entering an interstate must yield to existing traffic on the highway rather than stopping completely or merging blindly.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 18: “Drivers entering an interstate from an entrance ramp must yield the right-of-way to traffic already on the highway.”
12. According to Virginia law, who is responsible for ensuring that passengers younger than age 18 are properly secured?
Answer: The driver transporting them. The handbook assigns the responsibility of securing passengers under age 18 to the driver transporting them.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 28: “A driver transporting anyone younger than age 18 must ensure that the passenger is properly secured in a safety belt, booster seat or child safety seat no matter where the child is seated in the vehicle.”
13. What is the maximum distance a driver may travel in a center lane marked by a solid yellow line and a broken yellow line on both sides?
Answer: 150 feet. The handbook sets a specific limit of 150 feet for traveling within this type of center turn lane.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 14: “However, they may not travel further than 150 feet in this lane.”
14. When passing a stationary vehicle collecting trash on a highway with fewer than four lanes, what speed requirement applies?
Answer: Slow down to 10 miles per hour below the posted speed limit. The handbook states that on highways with fewer than four lanes, drivers must reduce speed by 10 mph below the limit when passing trash collection vehicles.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 18: “If on a highway of fewer than four lanes or if you are unable to change lanes, slow down to 10 miles per hour below the posted speed limit and pass at least two feet to the left of the vehicle.”
15. What action is required when a traffic light changes from red to green while a pedestrian is already in the street?
Answer: Allow the pedestrian to cross the street before turning. Drivers must yield to pedestrians already in the intersection when the light turns green, rather than turning immediately.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 8: “If a traffic light changes from red to green while a pedestrian is in the street, allow the pedestrian to cross the street before turning.”
16. According to the introductory text of the Virginia Driver’s Manual, how should the information in the manual be used in relation to the Code of Virginia?
Answer: As a general guide to motor vehicle laws, but not as a substitute for the Code of Virginia. The handbook states that the manual is a guide and not a replacement for the actual legal code.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 2: “The information contained in this manual should be used as a general guide to the motor vehicle laws but not as a substitute for the Code of Virginia, which contains the laws that govern Virginia drivers and vehicles.”
17. When approaching a toll plaza without an E-ZPass transponder, what should a driver do?
Answer: Look for and follow signs for cash only lanes. The handbook instructs drivers without transponders to specifically look for and follow signs directing them to cash-only lanes.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 15: “If you do not have a transponder, as you approach a toll plaza, look for and follow signs for cash only lanes.”
18. What does a T Intersection sign indicate regarding the roadway ahead?
Answer: The roadway ends ahead at a stop sign, requiring a turn after yielding. The handbook defines a T Intersection as a place where the current road ends, requiring the driver to stop and turn after yielding.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 11: “The roadway you are traveling on ends ahead at a stop sign. You must turn right or left after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.”
19. How far ahead of a turn should a driver signal their intent?
Answer: At least three or four seconds, 100 feet. The handbook specifies that drivers must signal their intent to turn at least three to four seconds or 100 feet ahead of the maneuver.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 20: “You should signal at least three or four seconds, 100 feet, ahead of the turn.”
20. Why should a driver keep their front wheels pointed straight ahead while waiting to make a left turn?
Answer: To prevent being pushed into oncoming traffic if rear-ended. Keeping wheels straight ensures that if a rear-end collision occurs, the vehicle is pushed straight forward rather than into oncoming traffic.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 20: “Keep your front wheels pointed straight ahead until you are actually going to make the left turn. This prevents you from being pushed into oncoming traffic if another vehicle crashes into you from behind.”